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Tollway urges drivers to slow down for winter: agency reports salt stocks and strikes on maintenance vehicles
Summary
Rohan Gale, the Tollway’s chief of maintenance and traffic, delivered a winter safety message noting roughly 105,000 tons of road salt on hand (average use ~59,000 tons), 196 snow plows in service, and that drivers struck Tollway vehicles 24 times that week.
Rohan Gale, chief of maintenance and traffic for the Illinois Tollway, opened the board’s Nov. 20 meeting with a winter safety message stressing caution on snowy and icy roads and outlining the agency’s readiness.
Gale said the Tollway has about 105,000 tons of road salt in stock (compared with average winter use of about 59,000 tons) and operates approximately 196 snow plows and related equipment. He described rotating 12‑hour shifts for crews to keep roads clear around the clock during storms, explained the use of pavement sensors and targeted brine applications to prevent snow adhesion on bridges and ramps, and urged drivers to slow down and give plow operators extra room.
Gale also reported that drivers had struck Tollway vehicles 24 times that week, causing avoidable crashes that endanger crews and customers. He provided an assistance phone number during the remarks and asked drivers to avoid impaired driving and put away phones while behind the wheel. The board acknowledged the message and thanked maintenance staff.
The remarks were delivered as the agency entered the winter season; directors and staff said the message complements ongoing public outreach with the Illinois Department of Transportation and state police.
